Friends of the farm

The Butte County Farm Bureau is celebrating its 92nd year this year. Part of the California Farm Bureau Federation, this 2,200-member, grassroots nonprofit works to protect the interests of local farmers and ranchers. Besides doing such things as working to defend water rights and protecting the small farmer/rancher from excessive taxes and regulatory fees, the Butte County Farm Bureau is also responsible for such fun, farm-consciousness-raising events as the recent Agribee (pictured), and the upcoming California Nut Festival on April 17 at the Patrick Ranch on the Midway.

Farm Bureau membership is not limited to food producers—consumers of food are encouraged to join as well. Perks include a subscription to California Country magazine and discounts at such local ag-businesses as LaRocca Vineyards and Lodestar Farms.

As Farm Bureau executive director Colleen Cecil put it during her recent appearance on KZFR’s food-focused show, Mama Rose’s Kitchen: “If you like to eat, you should be a Farm Bureau member.”

Call 533-1473 or go to www.buttefarmbureau.com for more information.